SNP - LibDem threat to universal postal service

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Highlighting a report in the Guardian today which suggests strongly that the LibDems will allow the universal service obligation to be threatened, SNP Postal Affairs Spokesperson Mike Weir MP said it only drew attention to the bluster of the Scottish LibDems.

Commenting Mr Weir said

"It is abundantly clear that the introduction of private capital into the Royal Mail will mean the erosion of the universal service obligation that is so vital to Scotland.

“Even the government's own report concedes that. In his update Richard Hooper says that in future there might be a reduction in the number of days that mail is uplifted and delivered.

"It is ironic that this policy is being driven by the Liberal Democrats. Did those voters in the Highlands & Islands who supported them in the General Election vote for further reductions in their postal services?

“The hysterical reaction of LibDem MPs to criticism of the plans shows how sensitive they are, but they cannot escape from the conclusions of their own report. If they press ahead with this they will be betraying the voters of rural Scotland."

"Vince Cable has now gone further than any other previous minister and has made clear that he wishes to have a full privatisation of Royal Mail. Such a move could have disastrous consequences for mail delivery services in Scotland, particularly in rural areas which do not have access to alternative services.

“It is not only individuals but, crucially, business in rural Scotland that will suffer. If we are to re generate our rural economy it is vital that businesses are able to rely on the postal service but the proposed changes will undermine that confidence."

"This government cannot treat Royal Mail as just another company. It has a vital social obligation that must be protected. The present problems are largely a result of the actions of previous London governments and they have an obligation to invest in the service now to ensure that it continues to deliver a universal service."